Dorchester County Labor Force Grows as South Carolina Faces Economic Challenges

Dorchester County Experiences Growth in Labor Force Amidst Economic Challenges

Dorchester County has reported another increase in its labor force, showcasing resilience in the face of economic challenges. Recent statistics indicate that the number of South Carolinians working has reached a record high of 2,330,683, marking a significant increase of 4,665 individuals compared to December 2019. This data, released by the SC Department of Employment and Workforce, signals a positive trend in the state’s job market.

Labor Market Growth

The monthly household survey revealed that more jobs are available than there are people to fill them. Dan Ellzey, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, noted the encouraging rise in employment. “South Carolina continues to achieve record levels of low unemployment while more people are earning paychecks than ever before,” he stated. Despite the promising figures, he acknowledged potential challenges posed by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Impact of the Coronavirus

Ellzey mentioned that the virus could impact the unemployment rate, job searches, and working hours. Nonetheless, the Department of Employment and Workforce is prepared to address these obstacles, ensuring the safety of employees while maintaining service continuity. “Our agency is built on the premise of helping people and businesses overcome employment challenges,” he asserted. The agency is poised to offer additional resources should the need arise.

Local Insights: Dorchester and Berkeley County

In Dorchester County, the labor force expanded from 76,689 in December to 78,940 in January, reflecting an increase of 2,251 individuals. Over the past year, the labor force grew by 3,845 compared to January 2019, when it stood at 75,095. However, the county’s unemployment rate rose slightly from 2 percent to 2.5 percent.

Next door, Berkeley County also saw a positive trend. The labor force increased from 103,401 in December to 105,084 in January, reflecting an increase of 1,683 people. Compared to January 2019, the year-over-year growth was 4,018. Despite the job market growing, the unemployment rate in Berkeley County increased from 2.1 percent in December to 2.6 percent in January.

Statewide Trends

Statewide, the unemployment estimates decreased to 56,590 people, reflecting a drop of 689 individuals since December 2019 and a decrease of 23,666 over January 2019. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for South Carolina remained steady at 2.4 percent in December. Nationally, the unemployment rate experienced a minor uptick, rising to 3.6 percent from December’s 3.5 percent.

Labor Force Participation

The estimated labor force for South Carolina increased to 2,387,273, representing an increase of 3,976 people since December 2019 and a jump of 19,851 individuals over January 2019. These numbers highlight the ongoing recovery and growth within South Carolina’s job market, despite various hurdles faced due to the pandemic and other economic factors.

This latest labor force increase in Dorchester County, alongside statewide trends, paints a picture of resilience and potential for continued recovery as South Carolina navigates complex economic conditions.